Ivanhoe’s nightlife spots scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — and the nightlife spots reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Nico Table — 343 Elm Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $15-20
The venue the suburb rallies around. Nico Table gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their espresso martini ($15-20). When to go: Thursday is the sweet spot — good crowd, no queue.
2. The Long Commons — 29 Elm Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. The Long Commons doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Ava — 255 Elm Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $15-20
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Nico Table — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Their signature sour ($15-20). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. Red Store — 40 North Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $15-20
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Lucky Pantry — 372 Flinders Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Laneway entrance, exposed brick, jazz on the stereo Drinks: $15-20
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Table | Overall best | $15-20 | Yes | No |
| The Long Commons | Quiet drink | $15-20 | Yes | Occasionally |
| Ava | New & trendy | $15-20 | Snacks only | No |
| Red Store | Food + drinks | $15-20 | Full menu | No |
| Lucky Pantry | Atmosphere | $15-20 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Nico Table does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Ivanhoe. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Lucky Pantry skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD Nightlife
- Ivanhoe Restaurants — eat before or after
- Ivanhoe Things to Do
- All Ivanhoe Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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